A Political Dispute Over Plans for a New International Airport in Cebu
There is currently a heated political debate in Cebu over a proposal to build a new international airport. The proposal, brought forth by Fifth District Representative Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco, aims to create a disaster-resilient backup facility in Sogod, northern Cebu. However, Governor Pamela Baricuatro has criticized the idea, stating that it is a diversion from unfinished projects.
The Clash of Resilience and Priorities
The debate centers around two opposing arguments. Frasco argues that a backup airport is necessary to ensure air connectivity in case of a disaster, such as the magnitude 6. 9 earthquake in 2025. He also believes that the new airport would drive economic development in the northern areas of the province. On the other hand, Baricuatro argues that Frasco should first focus on completing the stalled Camotes Islands airport project, which is also located in the Fifth District.
Frasco defends his proposal by pointing out other places, such as Metro Manila, Pampanga, New York, London, and Tokyo, which have multiple airports. He also calls out Baricuatro’s criticism as being limited by politics rather than vision. The governor, however, insists that it is impractical to pursue a new multibillion-peso project when another airport in the same district remains incomplete.
The Unfinished Camotes Airport Project
The Camotes Domestic Airport in San Francisco, Camotes Islands, is the project at the center of the governor’s criticism. In 2024, Frasco stated that the runway had been concreted, and it was expected to boost tourism, create jobs, and spur economic growth. The project, proposed in 2020, has a budget of P265 million for the runway and an additional P120 million for the terminal. However, Baricuatro’s recent comments suggest that the project is still facing issues with completion and payment.
Expert Opinion on the Proposal
Former general manager of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority from 2010 to 2016, Nigel Paul Villarete, weighed in on the proposal. He called it “interesting and worth studying,” but emphasized the need for proper development and feasibility studies. He also stressed that the project’s realization would depend on its financial and economic viability.
Villarete also clarified the difference between an “international airport,” which has regular scheduled international flights, and one “capable of handling international flights,” which has the facilities but no regular flights. He believes that passenger demand, not government designation, ultimately determines an airport’s classification.
The Next Steps
Frasco has yet to give an update on the progress of his bill proposing the creation of the Sogod airport. Villarete believes that the best course of action is to follow the established project development process, which includes pre-feasibility and full feasibility studies.